Nadine Kay (Terrell) Baumgartel was born on January 5, 1955, in Sedan, KS to Clarence and Margaret (Nettrouer) Terrell. She grew up on the family farm and dairy in rural Grenola. She graduated from South Elk High School in 1973. On May 25, 1973, she married the love of her life Marlin Baumgartel.
They lived and worked on the family farm for a short time before making a home in Howard, KS. In 1975, they welcomed twin sons Bradley and Brian. With two small children Nadine was a homemaker and part time housekeeper in the community.